In order to provide nationwide high-speed internet service, and also to allow the Union to earn more tax revenue, tender bids were invited by the Ministry of Transport and Communication.
To ensure fair bidding, a Simultaneous Multi-Rounds Auction (SMRA) was exercised. The auctions were held 32 times on October 17, 18 and 19 at the Hotel Royal ACE. Nine out of 20 companies were shortlisted for the auctions.
Auction areas were divided into three geographical sections — Area 1 includes Nay Pyi Taw, Magwe, Bago, Mon, Kayin and Taninthari, with the minimum bid of US$3 million.
Area 2 includes Yangon, Ayeyawady and Rakhine, with a bottom bid of US$7million. Area 3 consists of Mandalay, Sagaing, Chin, Shan, Kachin and Kayah, and its bottom price is US$5million.
Successful companies in area 1 are Fortune International, which bid up to US $7.3 million and Global Technology, which also bid US$7.3million.
In area 2 were Amara Communications Co and Yatanapon Teleport Public Co, bidding US $95.82million and US$83.44million, respectively. In area 3 were Yatanapon Teleport Public Co and Amara, bidding US$27.24million and 24.55million, respectively.
Amara Communications in auctions of area 2 and 3 is to pay over US$120 million to the State as the license fee, standing in first place out of all successful companies.
“Besides paying the license fees, the company will invest much more by installing high-quality equipment to provide LTD-4G internet line to the public” said Daw Aye Mya Mya Kyi, CEO of Amara Communications. “And we will create more job opportunities for youths.”
Source: Global New Light of Myanmar
